The 2025-2026 Dubai Racing Carnival kicked off in grand style at the iconic Meydan Racecourse, marking the beginning of a thrilling season that culminates in the 30th anniversary of the $12 million Dubai World Cup next March. This year’s opening night, sponsored by Emirates Airline with a prize pool of Dh 1.2 million, felt like a mini-festival, showcasing a blend of star power, fresh narratives, and global racing talent.
Among the highlights was the return of Dark Saffron, the three-year-old colt who made history by winning the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen in April. Trained by Emirati handler Ahmad bin Harmash, Dark Saffron is set to compete in the Dh 210,000 Emirates Airline Conditions sprint, with ambitions for an international double in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
The event also featured a trio of Dubai’s top trainers—Doug Watson, Musabbeh Al Mheiri, and Bhupat Seemar—who are already vying for dominance in the new season. They face stiff competition from international trainers like Jamie Osborne and Julio Olascoaga, adding a cosmopolitan edge to the competition.
One of the most compelling stories of the night was the comeback of Chantal Sutherland, the trailblazing jockey who returned to racing after a life-threatening accident in 2023. Riding Kalidasa in the Emirates Airline Handicap, Sutherland’s presence added a layer of inspiration and glamour to the event.
The opening night also highlighted Dubai’s global racing appeal, with participants from Britain, Brazil, Canada, and Denmark. British trainer Jamie Osborne and Danish trainer Veronika Jandova brought their unique flair, while Brazilian jockeys Silvestre de Sousa, Sandro Paiva, and Bernardo Pinheiro added to the international excitement.
As the Dubai Racing Carnival returns bigger and better than ever, the stage is set for a season of high stakes, global stars, and the unparalleled magic of Meydan Racecourse.